Josie jumps in, regaling them with embarrassing stories from our childhood. Instead of judging, they just laugh and share their own tales of youthful misadventures.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong.
Like I’m part of a real family.
I catch Blake watching me with a soft smile playing on his sensual lips.
“You okay?” he mouths silently.
In that moment, I allow myself to imagine what it would be like if this wasn’t just temporary. If Blake, Maddie, Josie, and I could be a family for real.
I swallow hard and force a smile. “I’m great,” I whisper back.
And for the first time in forever, I actually mean it.
A few hours later,Blake’s family has left and the house is quiet once more. I’m holding a snoring Maddie, who’s been sufficiently tired out from the day’s activities. Her little head rests heavily on my shoulder, her soft puffs of breath warming my neck.
Josie walks over, a soft smile on her face. “Why don’t I put Maddie to bed? Give you and Blake some time to talk.”
Gratitude floods me at her thoughtfulness. “Thanks, sis. I’d really appreciate that.”
Blake approaches and gently runs a finger down Maddie’s cheek. “Sweet dreams, princess. Daddy loves you.” He presses a tender kiss to her forehead.
I pass Maddie carefully to Josie. “Love you, sis. You’re the best.” I enfold her in a warm hug and drop a quick peck on her cheek.
Josie grins. “Love you too. Now go.” She nods meaningfully in Blake’s direction before heading upstairs with Maddie.
And then it’s just me and Blake. Alone.
He turns to me, a sexy grin playing about his lips. “So, would you like some dessert?”
I swallow hard, suddenly overwhelmed by his nearness. “Um, what kind of dessert?”
As if sensing the direction of my thoughts, Blake chuckles. “The food kind.” He threads his fingers through mine, and itsends sparks of awareness up my arm. “I thought we could sit by the fire outside. Make some s’mores.”
My heart hammers against my ribs as I let him lead me toward the kitchen, anticipation simmering low in my belly.
Once there, I settle into one of the plush patio chairs while Blake gets the fire going. The night air is cool against my flushed skin. I take a moment to absorb my surroundings—the elegant patio furniture, the twinkling stars above, the distant sound of crickets. It’s like something out of a dream.
“This is really nice,” I murmur as Blake returns with the s’mores ingredients and a bottle of wine.
He flashes me a heart-stopping smile. “Only the best for my girl.”
My breath hitches. His girl. I like the sound of that.
A lot.
We make s’mores in companionable silence for a few minutes. The crackling of the fire and the chirping of crickets is a soothing soundtrack. I take a sip of my wine, and the rich, smooth liquid warms me from the inside out.
“I have to say, I make a mean s’more,” Blake declares, holding up his perfectly toasted marshmallow.
I can’t help but laugh. “Is that so? Well, I happen to be a s’more connoisseur. Let me be the judge of that.”
Grinning, he assembles his s’more and holds it out to me. I lean in to take a bite... and get melted chocolate and marshmallow all over my face.
“Oh, you think that’s funny, do you?” I scrunch my nose at him as he chuckles.
“Here, let me.” Blake leans in and gently wipes the sticky mess from my cheek. My skin tingles where he touches me, and suddenly roasting marshmallows is the last thing on my mind.
